Thread: All Things Android

see here

So papa, how do you like the iPad we got you? - Snotr

gotta love those iPad Hitler parody

Hitler is informed and rants about the Apple iPad - YouTube!

Look it's pink you cnut, it's for the missus. Who cares what she does with it in the kitchen as long as there's a passable end product?

Got samsung S3. I'm equally as bored with this device as i was my iphone. I'm going back to a simple phone.

Opera Browser gets revamped experience on Android
posted on May 22nd 2013 by Quentyn Kennemer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=9wtrZ-Ovtq0

Opera Mobile for Android has always been one of the more interesting web browsers, and that experience is getting even more interesting in the latest update. The mobile browser has been revamped with a new Holo-based user interface that looks and feels absolutely beautiful, and there are a few new features that might win users’ hearts over other web browsers.

Speed Dial is back, of course, giving users quick and easy access to their favorite and most visited websites. Alongside that, a new Discover section will feed you a list of top news stories and articles from a ton of different categories, including technology, business, sports, travel, lifestyle, health, entertainment, world news and more. You can jump between topics anytime you want, and you can customize which topics show up in the default view using the settings button.

Opera renamed its turbo feature in this version, as well. Now called “off-road,” it’s the same data-saving experience we’ve come to know and love. Users can enable off-road mode to have webpages and images compressed by a remote server before being delivered to the users’ device. This can speed up web browsing a bit and save on bandwidth, with that last one being especially important for those on limited data plans.



Finally, Opera now includes a new unified address bar that will let you search and enter URLs in the same place. You can even use a drop down while entering search terms to switch between engines like Google, Amazon, IMDb and more. It’s always fun to check out new web browsers, so unless Google Chrome, Firefox, or any other web browser out there is holding you hostage at gun point you should at least give the new version of Opera a shot in the Google Play Store for free.

Is it rootable? (Australians don't have to answer that).

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Is it rootable? (Australians don't have to answer that).

Yes, so I am told, although personally I haven't tried it yet. I was given a web page to go to for instructions/information but I can't add it here yet because I am new and haven't made enough posts. But try joining the two comments below and you should get the web address.


forum.xda-developers

.com/showthread.php?t=2247537

I'm sure Google needed more bad publicity

There's a Zombie-like Security Flaw in Almost Every Android Phone


Abby Ohlheiser 6 hours ago
Technology & Electronics

There's a Zombie-like Security Flaw in Almost Every Android Phone
Almost every Android phone has a big, gaping security weakness, according to the security startup who discovered the vulnerability. Essentially, according to BlueBox, almost every Android phone made in the past four years (or, since Android "Donut," version 1.6) is just a few steps away from becoming a virtual George Romero film, thanks to a weakness that can "turn any legitimate application into a malicious Trojan."

While news of a security vulnerability in Android might not exactly be surprising to users, the scope of the vulnerability does give one pause: "99 percent" of Android mobiles, or just under 900 million phones, are potentially vulnerable, according to the company. All hackers have to do to get in is modify an existing, legitimate app, which they're apparently able to do without breaking the application's security signature. Then, distribute the app and convince users to install it.

Google, who hasn't commented on the vulnerability yet, has known about the weakness since February, and they've already patched the Samsung Galaxy S4, according to CIO. And they've also made it impossible for the malicious apps to to install through Google Play. But the evil apps could still get onto a device via email, a third-party store, or basically any website. Here's the worst-case scenario for exploitation of the vulnerability, or what could potentially happen to an infected phone accessed via an application developed by a device manufacturer, which generally come with elevated access, according to BlueBox:

Installation of a Trojan application from the device manufacturer can grant the application full access to Android system and all applications (and their data) currently installed. The application then not only has the ability to read arbitrary application data on the device (email, SMS messages, documents, etc.), retrieve all stored account & service passwords, it can essentially take over the normal functioning of the phone and control any function thereof (make arbitrary phone calls, send arbitrary SMS messages, turn on the camera, and record calls). Finally, and most unsettling, is the potential for a hacker to take advantage of the always-on, always-connected, and always-moving (therefore hard-to-detect) nature of these “zombie” mobile devices to create a botnet.
The company recommends users of basically every Android phone double check the source of any apps they install, keep their devices updated, and take their own precautions to protect their data. But as TechCrunch notes, Android users really should be doing this anyway, as the devices tend to come with a " general low-level risk" from malware. That risk, however, is elevated for users who venture outside of the Google Play store for their apps.

where have you been ? this news is dated 3 days ago,

Who cares, since it hasn't been posted before, dickhead.

Google patches up security hole that allows normal apps to be converted into malware, OEM’s pushing out fix soon
posted on Jul 8th 2013 by Chris Chavez

A company called Bluebox Security recently discovered a vulnerability in Android that’s existed since Android 1.6. It’s called the Master Key vulnerability and as the name suggests, allows for hackers and general evil doers to convert 99 percent of legit Android applications into trojans by effectively injecting malware into an app — all without tampering or changing their signatures. For those unaware, Android apps use “signatures” as a way to verify if an app has been tampered with.

According to Bluebox Security’s CTO, the vulnerability affects just about any Android device released in the last 4 years (since Donut). Going by those numbers that means over 900 million devices are potentially vulnerable to Master Key hijinks.

Apparently news of the malware is old news to Google who was quietly alerted back in February (even though we first learned of Master Key on Friday), and has already effectively patched the security hole, and released the fix to OEM’s. In fact, some manufacturers like Samsung are already pushing the update out to their Android devices and even custom ROMs like CyanogenMod are all over it. For carrier devices, all we can do now is play the waiting game while we wait for network operators to follow suit.

Before you rush off to wipe your Android device, listen up. According to a Google spokesperson, they haven’t found any evidence of infected apps making their way into the Play Store (or sideloaded onto devices) with Google’s security scanning software specifically scanning for the Master Key malware. Whew.

[via ZDNet]

Google announced the next iteration of its Android mobile operating system, version 4.3, at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday. The new version of Android is actually the third version to carry the "Jelly Bean" label, as opposed to the rumored next-generation leap, "Key Lime Pie."

Android 4.3 introduces a number of new features. Multi-user support, which was first introduced in Android 4.2, now gets a big improvement in restricted profiles, intended as a parental-control feature, where some users have access to only selected apps.

The new version of Android also supports OpenGL 3.0, enabling better graphics experiences in Android games, plus it introduces support for a new set of APIs for better digital content protection, which will enable more apps to serve up full HD (1080p) video. The first app to include the feature is the latest version of Netflix, which is already in Google Play.

Android 4.3 also introduces many other features, including support for Bluetooth Smart devices, background Wi-Fi location, more language support and "easier text input."

Google's new Nexus 7 tablet will be the first device to run Android 4.3. Google's previous-generation Nexus devices will get the update, starting today, including the previous Nexus 7, the Nexus 10 tablet, the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus smartphones.

For the latest updates, follow our live blog.

Android 4.3 comes about nine months after Google introduced version 4.2 with the Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet, and about a year after the first flavor of Jelly Bean, Android 4.1.

4.3 has an app available to limit third party permissions.
Interesting move and most welcome, I'll be looking for a 4.3 phone to take advantage of this option.

Called Apps Ops, the feature is baked into Android 4.3 — though it’s also currently hidden by default. Still, a new third-party app called Permissions Manager brings it to life, allowing to fine-tune what other apps on your phone get access to. So, you can selectively choose for apps to read your contacts, access location, whatever. Or not, as the case may be. You can download the app here.

A Hidden Android 4.3 Permissions Manager Lets You Set Rules App-by-App | Gizmodo UK

Anyone ordered - or received - a Chromecast yet?

Acer unveils new Android tablet and all-in-one PC
NEWSTABLETS
By Alex Dobie | Sep 02 2013
Acer tablet Acer AIO





24-inch Tegra 3 PC and 10.1-inch budget tablet

Acer's other IFA 2013-related Android announcements come in the form of two new tablet-like devices -- the first a standard, low-cost 10.1-inch slate, the second a full-sized all-in-one PC running Google's OS.

The Acer Iconia A3 runs an unnamed 1.2GHz quad-core Cortex A7 chip with 16 or 32GB of storage, microSD expandability and up to 9 hours of battery life. The tablet's 10.1-inch display is a basic 1280x800-resolution panel, and it also comes with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound tech. It's slated to hit EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) in October for €249 with Wifi connectivity. A 3G version will arrive the following month for €299.

Next up, the Acer DA241HL is an NVIDIA Tegra 3-powered all-in-one PC running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on a 24-inch 1080p display. A cross between a tablet and a desktop PC, the new "all-in-one" device can use an MHL connection to send content to an external display. Pricing for the device will start at €429 when it launches in mid-October.

Stick with this week for more Android announcements from the IFA show in Berlin.

And Blackberry's last throw of the dice?

BlackBerry Messenger Coming Next Month With A Ton Of New Features

Joshua Levenson (3:30 am PDT, Sep 2nd)

Back on May 14th, BlackBerry announced that its popular Blackberry Messenger (BBM) service will be available on both Android and iOS some time “this summer,” and now according to an executive at the Canadian company our wait to receive this service will end next month.

Two days ago, BlackBerry set-up an official ‘landing page’ providing us with the opportunity to sign up to receive an e-mail when the application is finally ready to download and to learn a little more about the BBM app for Android and iOS. Much to our surprise, the web page revealed some rather interesting stuff…

When BlackBerry first announced it would be bringing its popular instant messaging (IM) service to Android and iOS, the company informed us that when the app landed on Google Play and the Apple App Store it would have no features other than basic cross-platform IM. But the recently published ‘landing page’ suggests that the app will come jam-packed full of BlackBerry’s latest messaging features, including; BBM Voice, BBM Video with Screen Share, and BBM connected apps - which up until now were exclusive to its own devices.

BBM Voice

For a while now, BlackBerry users have had the option to switch from text chat to a voice call, and now this functionality is being expanded to the upcoming cross-platform BBM application. Users will have the ability to speak to their BBM contacts for free via Wi-Fi. It’s easy to see when your friends are available for voice calling, as the phone logo in the right hand corner of the chat will turn green, thus informing you that you both have an active Wi-Fi connection.

BBM Video with Screen Share

In addition to basic text chat and voice calling, BBM users will also have the facility to video conference with one other person – similar to the service provided by Hangouts. However, BBM Video has a hidden trump card, too. As well as video calling, users will be able to send photos, browser windows, and documents, which can be opened on both party’s handsets when engaging in a call. This is a feature exclusive to BBM, which is not currently available on rival messaging platforms.

BBM Connected Apps

BBM for Android will also integrate BlackBerry’s “Connected Apps” feature, which enables users to chat and share information from within applications to their BBM contacts. For example, you could share an interesting tweet with one of your BBM contacts without having to leave the Twitter app. Connected Apps also works with selected games, allowing you to play games like Hangman or Battleships with your contacts.

Seems everyone is expecting the Note III and the Galaxy Gear today....

‘Samsung Unpacked 2013 Episode 2’ Livestream: Watch Galaxy Note 3 And Galaxy Gear Launch Online [VIDEO] - International Digital Times

And the Note III is expected to sell for $800 unlocked.

Feck that for a game of soldiers!

Google Announces Android 4.4 KitKat
POSTED SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 AT 5:00 PM BY THEROMMISTRESS

For almost a year now, Android users have been speculating, and at one point even “confirmed,” that the next Android version would be code named “Key Lime Pie.” At Google I/O 2013, the Mountain View company alluded to the accuracy of those rumors by sharing a video presentation of a little Android eating some key lime pie. Today, nearly four months later, Google finally announced that its next release will not be code named after the tangy pie, but instead will be code named after the chocolate candy bar, KitKat. Not only were rumors incorrect regarding the new version name, they were also incorrect regarding the new version number. As was previously thought, Android 5.0 will not be the next Android release, rather it will be Android 4.4.

Not only has Google announced the true successor to Jelly Bean 4.1-4.3, they have also sweetened the pot by offering a chance to win either Google Play credit or a Nexus 7, which will no doubt contain the latest Android operating system. There is a catch though: You have to eat loads of Kit Kat bars branded with the Android robot in order to find the “golden ticket.” According to an interview conducted between Google and BBC, no money was exchanged between Nestle and Google in the collaboration to feature the chocolaty treat as the next Android version codename. ”This is not a money-changing-hands kind of deal,” John Lagerling, director of Android global partnerships, told the BBC. Lagerling said the company wanted to do something “fun and exciting.” A post on the official Android Google+ page explained, “KitKat has been a favorite candy on the team for some time, so for the K release, we asked if they’d (Nestle) be willing to lend their iconic candy bar to its name.”

With every new release, Google stepped up its game in making Android the world’s leading mobile operating system. With Jelly Bean, came Project Butter and a faster, smoother experience. Android design was refined with Ice Cream Sandwich, along with a merger of the previously disparate phone and tablet branches. Optimized for tablets, Honeycomb opened up the world to a new type of mobile computing. Gingerbread’s new sensor access and APIs made mobile gaming more enticing. Froyo brought massive performance increases with JIT compilation. Eclair helped distinguish Android from iOS by allowing users to customize their home screens with features such as live wallpapers. And Cupcake and Donut introduced the operating system to the world, giving users a viable alternative to other mobile platforms of the day.

Although no further details have been released about Kit Kat 4.4, Google did provide a little teaser as to what should be expected. In its announcement, the company said, “It’s our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody.” Although that certainly does not say much, the statement is sure to be the culprit of many rumors to come.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Seems everyone is expecting the Note III and the Galaxy Gear today

Enough of this Samsung rubbish, 'Arry... The super sexy Sony Xperia Z Hitomi should be announced today (the greatest phone in the world).

I'm sure I saw a Note 3 tablet the other day. Miles better than anything Sony can copy from them.

^ Bollox, the Xperia Ultra is already out, and it's head and shoulders above the plastic rubbish from Korea...

^ does it come in orange ?

That is a very good point... I may consider converting...

(to be fair to the Note3, it's likely to be a better device than the rather crapish S4)